| Heading to the Doctor? Go Prepared to Ask Questions | |
 A doctor's visit can be an overwhelming experience. But knowing what to expect and preparing before you get there can have a positive impact on your visit. The " Questions Are the Answer" campaign emphasizes the value of patients bringing a list of questions with them to health care visits. Asking questions about your treatment or medications can help both you and your health care provider better understand your health needs. North Carolina Health Smart health coaches can also help you develop a list of questions to take on your health care visit. Call a health coach toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-817-7044. |
| End Your Summer Right - Get Your Annual Physical Examination in August | |
 August is a time for new beginnings. School classes and fall sports begin, and children get their immunizations and physical examinations. Adults can take this time to get an annual physical exam, too. You can use this visit to obtain screening tests, immunizations, preventive care and other services that can improve your health. These visits can also help you and your health care provider establish a relationship and support your healthy lifestyle goals.
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| Immunizing Pharmacists to Provide Vaccines | |
 Did you know that you can go to an in-network immunizing pharmacist to receive your influenza (flu), pneumococcal (pneumonia) and zoster (shingles) vaccines? A limited number of pharmacists have contracted with Blue Cross and Blue shield of North Carolina to administer vaccines. Immunizing pharmacists in the BCBSNC network are licensed and certified to provide and administer vaccines, such as the flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccines, in retail pharmacies. In order for a vaccine received in a pharmacy to be covered, it must be administered by an immunizing pharmacist participating in the BCBSNC network.
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| Member Tip of the Month | |
 Coverage for Vision Services
Did you know that even though the State Health Plan does not cover a routine comprehensive eye examination, the Plan does provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions of the eye? That includes yearly screenings for patients with a medically diagnosed condition. The following example highlights how this vision screening coverage works. A state employee, John, had questions about coverage for an upcoming visit to his eye doctor. John was diagnosed with diabetes and wanted to know if he would be covered for his yearly diabetic retinopathy screenings. John remembered that the Plan doesn't cover routine eye exams and wanted to make sure this visit, related to a medically diagnosed condition, was covered. |
| Immunizations Are Part of a Healthy Lifestyle | |
 Why get immunized?
Thousands of Americans die each year from diseases that vaccinations can easily prevent. Make a healthy commitment to stay current on vaccines by talking to your health care provider and exploring the best options for you and your family. The State Health Plan covers immunizations at 100% when delivered by an in-network health care provider.
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